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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2022
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Basketball players given all-conference honors.............3
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A taste of the trades.................4 Theatre Guild to debut ‘Jake’s Women’ March 25.....................8
St. Paddy’s parade to highlight Main Street organization’s 17 years
Main Street Monroe is celebrating its 17th anniversary as non-profit organization promoting downtown Monroe, with the return of its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade kicks off tomorrow, at 5:17 p.m. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade first started at the hub of Green County when a few people walked an Irish flag around the city Square in 1999; including Mike Ganshert. Ganshert helped pull the first permit for a parade for St. Patrick’s Day to make it official in 2000. “The history of this event is really special and symbolic of what I think of what Main Street as an organization is,” Jordan Nordby, executive director for Main Street Monroe, stated in a press release. “The work we do celebrates Monroe and is really organic; it’s coming from the community and volunteers like Mike and it’s grown so much over the past 17 years because of them.” Jim and Veronica Bruce have spearheaded efforts over
the past 19 years. This year, Andy Hill from Toy Haus is leading efforts with Tracy Hamilton of Heartland Graphics. In addition to Ganshert serving as the parade Grand Marshall, Layla Hummel Packham of Monticello will serve as this year’s Queen of Green. Both Hummel Packham and Ganshert were scheduled for their respective positions in 2020, prior to the pandemic shutdown. “This was the first (of many) events to be canceled and now to have it return after three years is really exciting,” Nordby said. “We’re planning on being on past events and making sure it lives up to three years’ worth of buildup.” The parade will feature a variety of community groups, live music, a leprechaun or two, and an appearance by Wedgie. The parade is free to enter and will start near Monroe Middle School, 1510 13th St.,
See PARADE, Page 2
Coach of the Year
Albany Comets basketball coach Derik Doescher high fives his players during the girls’ sectional semi-final victory over Argyle March 3. Doescher was named co-coach of the year, sharing the honor with Black Hawk’s, Cora Holland. Albany won the Six River’s conference title, a regional title, and fell in the sectional final to Randoph, which ultimately won the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Division 5 Girls Basketball Championship. For more Comets sports honors, turn to page 3.
Ringhand announces retirement
State Sen. Janis Ringhand (D-Evansville) announced last week that she will not seek re-election to the State Senate. “It has been a great honor to serve the people of the 15th Senate district,” she stated in a March 9 press release. “While I will miss working with colleagues on important issues, I think that this is the right time to step aside, relax and retire.” Ringhand was elected to the State Assembly in 2010 and the State Senate in 2014. She is currently the assistant minority leader for the Senate Democrats. Prior to serving in the state legislature, Ringhand was the mayor of Evansville, a member of the city council and a volunteer on numerous local boards and commissions. In the state legislature, Ringhand was said to be a strong voice for union labor, expanding paid mamiSUBMITTED PHOTO Brodhead Independent-Register ly and medical leave, reigning in the Main Street Monroe’s Jordan Nordby (left) and Layla Dark Store tax loophole, an advocate Hummel Packham, Queen of the Green, will be among for local control and promoting ecothe dignitaries at Monroe’s St. Patrick’s Day parade to- nomic & workforce development, retirement security and financial litmorrow at 5:17 p.m.
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From the family of Wally Wilson
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We would like to thank everyone for the cards, memorials, flowers, chimes, food and kind words. We are truly blessed with all the support and comfort during this difficult time. A special thank you to Newcomer Funeral Home and staff, the funeral pallbearers, Danny Newcomer, Brodhead EMS and Jordy and staff at M&J’s Bar. A very special thank you to Brodhead Park and Rec for lighting up the “Wally Wilson Field” in Wally’s honor. Thank you all again, Linda Wilson, Michelle & Dale Roth, Darci & Jim Lewis, Eric Wilson & Mary Backenger, and all the grandkids
BECKY MALKOW Brodhead Independent-Register
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eracy. She also produces the regionally-popular Ringhand Beer Mustard, which is sold throughout southern Wisconsin. “I look forward to having more time to make and distribute Ringhand Beer Mustard,” she further stated. Ringhand and her husband Gordy have two children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. “I will always be grateful for the support people have shown throughout the years. I will miss the back and forth exchanges with my colleagues at the Capitol and helping folks back home. The time is right for me to move on.” The 15th Senate District includes portions of Green, Rock, Dane, Walworth and Jefferson counties. Voters in the City of Brodhead, and villages of Albany, Orfordville and Footville are among the municipalities currently represented by Ringhand. Her term concludes on Jan. 3, 2023 when her replacement is sworn in. For more information, visit the district page at legis.wisconsin.gov/ senate/15/ringhand.
Sen. Janis Ringhand